Huano Elf vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can greatly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf switch stands out with its unique POK top housing, designed to enhance acoustics, offering a rich, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel that promotes an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch, while lacking specific notable features, is valued for its smooth linear travel and reduced noise, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter environment, whether at work or at home. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Elf prioritizes a satisfying auditory feedback and tactile sensation, while the Silent White focuses on tranquility and a seamless typing flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the top housings of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent White, distinct differences emerge due to the materials employed. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone), which is known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slightly glide-optimized feel that enhances switch performance. It is exceptionally strong, displaying remarkable wear resistance and shock resistance that far outstrip common materials like POM and nylon. In contrast, the Silent White employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharp, crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only lends itself to RGB lighting effects but also affects the acoustic output, resulting in a resonance that differs significantly from the clacky nature of POK.

Moving to the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent White use nylon, which introduces a note of commonality in their construction. Nylon is favored for its softer characteristics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing some of the vibrations generated during keystrokes. This shared choice of bottom housing means that, regardless of the divergence in sound profiles prompted by their top housings, both switches will produce a similar subdued and rounded auditory experience when a key is pressed. Consequently, this somewhat unifies the overall sound experience between the two switches, as the nylon bottom housing manifests its acoustic qualities that are consistent across different switch models.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom results in unique user experiences for each switch. The POK housing of the Huano Elf introduces a smooth and clacky feel, making it well-suited for enthusiastic typists seeking tactile feedback. In parallel, the polycarbonate top of the Silent White offers that higher-pitched, resonant tone, perfect for gamers and typists who enjoy a more precise keystroke sound. Despite both utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, each switch's sound profile ultimately reflects the materials used in the top housing, resulting in two distinct experiences that showcase the benefits of their respective materials.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force become quite apparent. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a preferable option for individuals who seek a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Regarding the bottom out force, the Outemu Silent White has a measured bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel upon fully pressing the key. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unspecified, so we can't make a direct comparison there. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches for extended use, the Huano Elf is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent White, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, is suited for those seeking a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Elf switch the more suitable option for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, as its longer travel distance can offer a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, the Silent White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt feedback. Both switches reflect the current trend of shorter travel distances preferred by many users, but for those who desire a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, the Elf's 3.6 mm may be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature that enhances the auditory experience of typing, thanks in part to its POK top housing designed for improved acoustics. This results in a pleasingly rich sound profile that many users find satisfying, adding a unique character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White does not have a distinctly characterized sound, making it less notable in terms of auditory performance. However, it's essential to remember that switch sound can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which means both switches can be tailored in terms of acoustic output through proper selection.

When considering the feel, the Elf switches are known for their medium-light actuation force, providing a comfortable tactile experience that balances ease of keystroking with enough resistance to prevent accidental inputs. This makes them a great choice for both typing and gaming, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly forceful. The feel of the Silent White switches is not well-documented here, but linear switches typically have smooth keystrokes without a tactile bump, which could suggest a straightforward typing experience. If the Silent White also follows this familiar linear characteristic, users can expect a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience similar to that of the Elf.

In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its deep sound signature and medium-light feel, the Outemu Silent White lacks defined sound qualities, leaving its auditory presence somewhat ambiguous. However, if you're looking for a smooth linear switch experience, the Silent White might still align with your needs. Both switches possess linear characteristics that cater to a specifically satisfying typing experience, leaving room for personal preference regarding sound and feel. Depending on the other components used, such as your keyboard and keycaps, either switch could fulfill your requirements for a great mechanical typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and an acoustical experience characterized by a deep sound signature, the Elf would be an excellent choice. Its unique POK top housing enhances the sound profile, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a satisfying and tactile typing experience without needing a substantial bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you require a medium bottom-out force for a more traditional typing feel and prioritize a quieter operation, the Silent White might be more aligned with your needs. Its 60 grams of force provide a more deliberate feedback, which may help enhance your typing accuracy, especially during long typing sessions. So, carefully consider your typing style and acoustic preferences; each switch offers distinct advantages that cater to different user experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more